Books matching: dystopian america
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:The Drowned Cities by Paolo Bacigalupi is set in a future dystopian world where rising sea levels have flooded Washington DC, leading to faction politics escalating into all-out war. The story follows characters like Mahlia and Mouse, young war refugees struggling to survive amidst violence and chaos. The plot delves into themes of survival, loyalty, and the harsh reality of a brutal civil war, featuring bioengineered creatures, child soldiers, and the struggle for hope in a bleak environment.
The reek of urine from the latrines and the miasma of sweat and fear twined with the sweet stench of rotting straw. Water dripped, trickling down ancient marble work, blackening what was once fine wit...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Ship Breaker ) - #2
Save:'The Fireman' by Joe Hill is a gripping tale set in a world ravaged by the Dragonscale plague, where infected individuals burst into flames. The story follows nurse Harper Grayson and the enigmatic Fireman as they navigate through a society hunting down those with Dragonscale. The narrative explores themes of survival, relationships, power dynamics, and the search for safety amidst chaos, all while delving into the unique concept of the Dragonscale infection and its deadly consequences.
The plot is filled with suspense, complex characters, and unexpected twists, drawing readers into a post-apocalyptic world where humanity's best and worst traits are on display. Joe Hill's writing style captivates the audience with its emotional depth, thought-provoking themes, and a storyline that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, ultimately delivering a satisfying and immersive reading experience.
She did not leave the school until an hour after the last child had gone home, but even so she was departing early. Most school days she was required to stay until five, for the fifty or so children w... - #3
Save:George Saunders' 'In Persuasion Nation' is a collection of speculative fiction that delves into a futuristic America plagued by consumerism, advertising, and societal absurdities. The stories feature emotionally atrophied characters navigating through a world filled with coercive marketing tactics, while offering a blend of satire, humor, and social commentary. Saunders' writing style is described as fluid, charged, and filled with language that captivates readers, leading them through unexpected twists and turns in each story.
We were very sorry to receive your letter of 23 Feb., which accompanied the I CAN SPEAK!™ you returned, much to our disappointment. We here at KidLuv believe that the I CAN SPEAK!™ is an innovative an... - #4
Save:Slapstick, or Lonesome No More! by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. is a satirical and absurd novel set in a dystopian future where the last President of the U.S. and his twin sister navigate the fall of American culture and civilization. The story explores themes of overconsumption, loneliness, and the absurdity of government and society. Vonnegut's writing style in this book is described as surreal, dark, and insightful, with a touch of humor and poignant observations about the human condition.
The narrative of Slapstick is a blend of post-apocalyptic fiction, social commentary, and dark humor. Vonnegut weaves together elements of genetic manipulation, political satire, and musings on family, love, and human interaction in a world where America has fragmented into warring states and characters grapple with loneliness and the search for connection. The book's writing is characterized by Vonnegut's signature style of plain language, clever observations, and thought-provoking tragedies that reflect on the state of society and the human experience.
I inhabit the first floor of the Empire State Building with my sixteen-year-old granddaughter, who is Melody Oriole-2 von Peterswald, and with her lover, Isadore Raspberry-19 Cohen. The three of us ha... - #5
Save:In a post-apocalyptic setting, the book follows desperate men and women trying to survive in a hellish America ravaged by drugs, tribalism, and poverty, reminiscent of today's society. The narrative delves into a not-too-distant future dystopian nightmare, where the country has plunged into an economic holocaust, with cities and towns overrun by psychotic militias, gangs, religious fanatics, and drug cartels, all vying for dominance and power. The protagonist, 18-year-old Van Dorn, embarks on a journey to find a girl named Sheldon, navigating through a wasteland of violence and chaos while trying to maintain his sense of morality and sanity.
The writing style is described as relentlessly dark but with small acts of love and kindness shining through the despair. The narrative switches between staccato sentences and hard-bitten prose poetry, creating a vivid, slow-motion journey through horrific and depraved imagery. The book is noted for its aggressive and unrelenting storytelling, akin to Cormac McCarthy's "The Road," but set in the wilds of Indiana, populated by country hill folk who have gone native.
(Also, see 6 recommendations for the series Donnybrook ) - #6
Save:In the novel 'The Wild Shore' by Kim Stanley Robinson, set in the late 2040s, the story unfolds in a post-apocalyptic America devastated by nuclear weapons. The plot revolves around a small community in Orange County trying to rebuild after a devastating attack that left the country in ruins. The narrative follows the perspective of a young boy named Henry, offering a coming-of-age tale in a world where the characters are struggling to survive and rebuild their lives amidst uncertainty and isolation. The writing style of the book intricately weaves details of the characters' daily lives, the challenges they face, and the mysteries surrounding the past events that shaped their current reality.
“It wouldn’t really be grave-robbing,” Nicolin was explaining. “Just dig up a coffin and take the silver off the outside of it. Never open it up at all. Bury it again nice and proper—now what could be... - #7
Save:In a post-apocalyptic United States of America, ex-cop Deirdre McMannus finds herself in a world where everyone has the LINK implant, which is now controlled by a theocracy. Deirdre, convicted of a crime she did not commit, gets entangled in a mystery involving beings that may be angels, leading her to question faith and divinity. The book blends elements of cyberpunk, paranormal genres, and detective fiction, set in a hyper-connected world after a third world war, with a focus on religion and politics in an American context. Morehouse's writing style is described as quick-witted, with viable characters, intriguing world-building akin to Blade Runner, and intellectual depth that challenges readers' concepts of faith.
My hairline itched where the dead receiver lay just under the skin. I reached up to caress the hard almond-shaped lump at my temple. Maybe if I squeezed just right, the implant would eke out some last... - #8
Save:In "The Pesthouse" by Jim Crace, readers are taken on a journey through a post-apocalyptic America where civilization has regressed to a simpler, almost medieval state. The story follows the characters Margaret and Franklin as they navigate the devastated landscape, forming a bond amidst the struggles of survival and hope for a better future. Crace's writing is described as lyrical and poetic, drawing readers into a world where human drama takes precedence over the desolate setting, creating a thought-provoking and gorgeously written narrative.
The novel explores themes of trust, survival, and human connection as Margaret and Franklin embark on a dangerous journey towards the eastern coastline in search of salvation. Set against the backdrop of a barren and lawless America, the story delves into the complexities of their evolving relationship while painting a vivid picture of a society grappling with the aftermath of a catastrophic event, offering a unique blend of historical and dystopian elements.
Franklin Lopez had not been sleeping in Ferrytown, though he’d wanted to. He’d not been sleeping anywhere, in fact. Couldn’t sleep. He’d weathered such pain the day before that he’d been forced to con... - #9
Save:'Hello America' by J.G. Ballard is a science fiction novel set in a post-apocalyptic America where the country has been devastated by pollution and environmental disasters. The story follows a group of European explorers who crash into New York's harbor and venture out to explore the continent, encountering absurd tribal populations and remnants of American culture. The book delves into themes of American values, civilization, and the impact of environmental choices, all presented in a satirical and dystopian manner.
The writing style of 'Hello America' is described as concise, enjoyable, and capturing the ambivalence towards American values. J.G. Ballard's narrative mocks stereotypes of America while exploring the country's past glory, present desolation, and potential future. The book is noted for its quick pace, engaging storytelling, and the eerie relevance of its themes despite being written in the early 1980s.
- #10
Save:Amnesia Moon by Jonathan Lethem is a post-apocalyptic novel following the protagonist Chaos, who navigates through a fragmented reality shaped by dreams. The story unfolds as Chaos embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the apocalyptic event, encountering surreal landscapes and characters, all while grappling with the blurred lines between dreams and reality. Lethem's writing style combines elements of mind-bending surrealism and post-apocalyptic themes, reminiscent of Philip K. Dick's narrative style.
Edge had the highway to himself. It was his trinket, all that paint and asphalt, thanks to Kellogg’s new law about ownership. You merely have to decide it’s yours. Edge had a knack for recalling Kello...
